Source : ABC NEWS
AFL fans are facing a weekend of wet weather for Gather Round as the South Australian Premier says he is “not going to rush” negotiations on the future of the event.
Adelaide Oval attendees have been warned to expect rain during the opening clash between Crows and Blues on Thursday night ahead of “more Melbourne-like weather”, according to the Bureau of Meteorology’s Ellie Mathews.
“Whilst the opening siren might be relatively dry, we could start to see some increasing showers during the game as that cold front does approach and cross. So, could be a little bit wet and might be some moderate … winds as well,” she said.
“We will see those temperatures start to dip down as we get into Friday with a cold front that will clip the southern [end] of the state.”
A wet weekend predicted ahead of Gather Round in Adelaide and Barossa Valley. (ABC News: Daniel Taylor)
Ms Mathews said the rain would ease on Saturday before clearer skies on Sunday when Port Adelaide takes on St Kilda.
SA Premier Peter Malinauskas said hotel bookings and ticket sales were showing promising signs and people were still driving across the border despite fuel costs.
“I suspect because people want to enjoy an event where they can get around each other, enjoy each other’s fellowship and not worry about what’s going on for the rest of the world,” he told 891 ABC Adelaide on Thursday morning.
“We’ve still got a few days left and there was a big surge in the last 72 hours of hotel room bookings for last year’s Gather Round, so that we still need to see that and hopefully transpires.”
Peter Malinauskas (front) is negotiating with AFL CEO Andrew Dillon (back) for a longer-term contract for Gather Round. (ABC News: Lincoln Rothall)
He said the state had not yet struck a deal about future Gather Rounds but he hoped to “leverage” on past successes to get the best outcome.
“[AFL chief executive] Andrew Dillon’s got a job to do for the AFL, but I’ve got a job to do for the taxpayers of South Australia and I’m going to protect our interests because … where else is he going to do this better than us?” he said.
“It sets us up for a win-win if we play our cards right, which is why I’m not going to rush it.“
Yesterday, Mr Dillon said negotiations were “complex” and a result could take “two weeks or two months”.
Dave Hughes has lent his support to keeping Gather Round in Adelaide. (Australian Story: Simon Winter)
Melbourne comedian and Carlton supporter Dave Hughes has backed the premier’s call for Gather Round to remain in Adelaide.
“It is Adelaide forever,” he told 891 ABC Adelaide on Thursday morning.
“I honestly just left a coffee shop where a mate of mine, another school dad, he just lobbed up and he said I’m about to get in the car with his two daughters and they’re driving Adelaide now.
“They’re Hawthorn supporters, they’re full of life and joy and they’re going to make a great trip.”
